The lockdown purchases we don't regret

By Eleonore Dresch on 30/4/2021

With so little to distract us during our free time, online shopping became a bit of a habit during this year of lockdown. While some of our purchases were, well, a mistake, others turned out to be fabulous investments.
The Culture Whisper team and I have selected the pieces that we bought, either after careful thinking or on a whim, that have become some of our most treasured possessions.
Perhaps they could bolster your wardrobe, living space or fitness regime too?

Eleonore Dresch - Editor in Chief

Online shopping has turned me into an adventurous buyer. I have been inspired by influencers' styles and Instagram interiors and have ended up purchasing fashion items and homeware that I probably wouldn't even have glanced at in stores.

Some of those purchases turned out to be mistakes and were quickly sent back. But they were also pleasant surprises.

I am now wearing clothes that I never thought would suit me and have to admit that my style has evolved in the past year. Hopefully for the better!

ARKET BARREL LEG JEANS

Comfortable, feminine and elegant, I wore those jeans with boots over the winter and now with sandals. Brilliant and very reasonably priced.

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WHITE RUFFLED BLOUSE

Such a perfect transitional outfit. I bought a See by Chloé white ruffled cotton blouse last June, during the Matches Fashion sale and wore it all summer. I rediscovered it earlier this month. Effortlessly elegant. A wardrobe must-have. It is now sold out but Ganni makes similar ones.

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HEREU SANDALS

I discovered this gorgeous Spanish brand Hereu thanks to fashion influencer Blanca Mirò - I am often inspired by her eclectic taste.

Hereu bags and shoes are crafted by Spanish artisans. The sandals were a bit of a folly. They are extremely beautiful and turn any summer outfit into something special. I can't wait to wear them again.

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SOHO HOME TABLEWARE

I liked the 1970s-style of this collection crafted from durable stoneware by artisans in Portugal. A reactive glaze creates subtle variations in colour and texture, making each piece a one-off.

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Rebecca Gonsalves - Fashion Director

I'm still getting plenty of wear out of my chunky leather Arket boots (thanks changeable spring weather!) while maximal metallic trainers bought last summer help add a bit of cheer to the stuck on repeat feeling of my pregnancy wardrobe.

NIKE AIRFORCE SNEAKERS

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BODUM COFFEE GRINDER

Away from my wardrobe, now that I'm only allowed one shot of caffeine a day, I'm so glad that I got over my self-imposed embargo on kitchen gadgets and bought a coffee grinder last year. At first I was just missing the proper coffee that came with working in an office surrounded by independent cafes, but now brewing up is a meditative moment of its own.

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CELINE SUNGLASSES

During the first lockdown I got entirely out of the habit of wearing make-up, abetted by a new pair of oversize Celine sunglasses that I treated myself to last summer. I'd wanted some for ages, but they were a bit of a risk to buy online without trying them on. They fared much better than my attempts at buying designer spectacles which I had to swiftly return.

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Sarah Joan Ross - Beauty Director

SKANDINAVISK ROSENHAVE SCENTED CANDLE

This candle mimics a garden in full rosy bloom, fills the room and is earth-friendly too.

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AUGUSTINUS BADER THE RICH CREAM

This uber-rich cream is packed with peptides, vitamins and the cell-regenerating TFC8 complex that not only feels cocooning, but also offers that kind of radiant complexion that’s usually the result of a 90-minute facial.

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TOM DAXON - GLOVED

With the constant cleansing and sanitising ‘Gloved’ by Tom Daxon came to my rescue. The hand wash, moisturiser and anti-bac all smell utterly divine and are super kind to cracked cuticles and hardworking hands.

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